ITR still not processed? Know Why Delayed and What Now to Expedite Refunds!
Income Tax Return not processed yet? Know the key reasons for delay in AY 2024-25 and practical steps to get your refund faster.
Filing the IncomeTax Return (ITR) is only the first step in the annual compliance ritual. For millions of taxpayers across India, the real relief comes when the return is “processed” by the Income Tax Department and, where applicable, the refund lands in the bank account.
Yet, every year, many find themselves in limbo! Return filed, acknowledgment received, but the status still showing “under processing.”
If your ITR for Assessment Year (AY) 2024-25 is still not processed, here’s a breakdown of why delays happen and what you can realistically do to move things forward.
Reasons Why ITR Processing Gets Delayed
1. Return Filed Close to the Due Date
The rush of last-minute filings around July 31 clogs the system. Even though the Income Tax Department has automated much of the process through the CPC (Centralized Processing Centre) in Bengaluru, lakhs of returns hit the servers in the same week. Naturally, processing time gets stretched.
2. Mismatch in Reported Income or TDS
If the income declared in your ITR does not perfectly match the data in Form 26AS, AIS (Annual Information Statement), or TIS (Taxpayer Information Summary), the system may flag your return for extra verification. Even minor mismatches in TDS entries, interest income, or capital gains can stall processing.
3. Bank Account Not Pre-Validated
Refunds are issued only to pre-validated and linked bank accounts. If your bank account has not been correctly linked with your PAN or validated on the e-filing portal, the system may hold back refund processing until the issue is fixed.
4. ITR Verification Pending
Filing the return is not enough—you must verify it within 30 days. This can be done electronically (via Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or EVC) or by physically sending a signed ITR-V to CPC. An unverified ITR is treated as “not filed,” and processing won’t begin until verification is completed.
5. Return Sent for Manual Scrutiny
Sometimes, the system identifies inconsistencies that cannot be auto-processed—such as unusually high deductions, foreign income disclosures, or large refund claims. In such cases, the ITR may be pushed for manual scrutiny by the assessing officer, leading to significant delays.
6. Technical Glitches in the System
Despite improved IT infrastructure, the e-filing system still faces glitches. From server downtime to back-end mismatches in TDS reconciliation, technical snags can also hold up processing.
What You Can Do If Your ITR Is Still Not Processed
1. Check the Status Online
Log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal and check the status under “View Filed Returns.” If it says “Return Submitted and Verified” but not processed, you may simply need to wait.
2. Verify Bank Account Pre-Validation
Go to the “My Profile” section on the portal and ensure your refund account is pre-validated and nominated for refund. If not, update immediately to avoid refund rejections.
3. Cross-Check AIS and 26AS
Download your AIS and Form 26AS and compare them with the income you reported. If you spot mismatches—say, interest income not declared or a TDS entry missed—you may need to file a revised return to avoid prolonged delays.
4. Ensure ITR Verification Is Done
If you forgot to verify your ITR, use Aadhaar OTP or net banking to verify instantly. Delays in verification are one of the most common reasons returns stay stuck.
5. Raise a Grievance or Call Helpline
If your return has been under processing for months without movement, raise a grievance on the e-filing portal or call the CPC helpline (1800-103-4455). Sometimes, a nudge is enough to push the file ahead.
6. Wait for Intimation Under Section 143(1)
The department is legally allowed up to 9 months from the end of the financial year (i.e., until December 31, 2025, for AY 2024-25 returns) to issue intimation under Section 143(1). Unless you receive a notice seeking clarification, patience is often the only option.
Bottom Line
An unprocessed ITR does not always mean trouble. More often than not, it is a function of systemic backlog, pending verification, or minor mismatches. But taxpayers should not stay passive. Checking bank validation, verifying returns, reconciling income data, and raising timely grievances can prevent your refund from getting locked up indefinitely.
In short, if your ITR is still not processed, know that the law gives the department enough time. But smart follow-up from your end can help shorten the wait. The key is to ensure accuracy and compliance at your end, because the system, even when delayed, eventually rewards clean and correctly filed returns.
Support our journalism by subscribing to Taxscan premium. Follow us on Telegram for quick updates
